Amazon.com wants to get you that package fast, really fast – before you’ve even ordered it.

The Seattle retailer late last year was granted a patent for what it calls “anticipatory shipping,” a method to start delivering packages even before customers have clicked “buy.” The technique could cut down on delivery time and cost and help ensure consumers don’t turn to brick-and-mortar retailers. Read More »

San Jose bills itself as “the capital of Silicon Valley.” The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office appears to agree.

The patent office Tuesday said it will open an office in San Jose City Hall next year, part of a program to speed the patent application process and draw new talent. The patent office set up temporary shop in Menlo Park, Calif., about 20 miles away in April, its second satellite office away from the Washington, D.C., area. Read More »